- Must visit
Zimmerli Art Museum
Rutgers art museum with global collections, rotating exhibitions, and strong teaching focus across many cultures and eras.
Cheapest price
$20
Average price
$25
Fastest journey
1 h 15 m
Average duration
2 h 8 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
85 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Philadelphia, PA to New Brunswick, NJ is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Philadelphia, PA to New Brunswick, NJ will cost around $25 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $20.
Of the 4 buses that leave Philadelphia, PA for New Brunswick, NJ on Thu, Aug 06, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Aug 06 the direct buses cover the 85 km distance in an average of 2 h 8 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 15 m .
On Thu, Aug 06 the slowest buses will take 4 h 40 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.








Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Philadelphia, PA to New Brunswick, NJ among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $17. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 50m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $17, and a train costs an average of $7.
Distance: 52 miles (85 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$33 Average price Cheapest | $73 Average price | $12 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 45m Average total duration 1h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 20m Average total duration Fastest 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 7m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Philadelphia, PA to New Brunswick, NJ:
A bus is $40 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Philadelphia, PA to New Brunswick, NJ costing on average $73.
Other travel options to New Brunswick, NJ take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 15m.
You'll arrive about -1h -8m sooner (1h 15m by bus vs 1h 7m by car) and save roughly $-20.38 compared to fuel and tolls ($33 vs $12). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by FlixBus.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:35AM | Arrival Time 07:55AM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:35AM | Arrival Time 11:55AM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:25AM | Arrival Time 11:55AM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:35AM | Arrival Time 12:55PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:15PM | Arrival Time 07:55PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:15PM | Arrival Time 05:30PM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:15PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:05PM | Arrival Time 11:45PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $20 |
Compare bus and train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Philadelphia, PA to New Brunswick, NJ run on average 1 times per day, taking around 1h 15m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $17 but you can travel from only $7 by train.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 03:35, the last at 16:50. The fastest bus covers the 52 miles (85 km) distance in 1h 15m.
Distance 52 miles (85 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $17 |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 1h 15m |
First bus 3:35 AM |
Last bus 4:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 56 days |
Discover the best of New Brunswick, NJ — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect New Brunswick, NJ trip today.
Rutgers art museum with global collections, rotating exhibitions, and strong teaching focus across many cultures and eras.
Historic house museum in Buccleuch Park with period interiors and exhibits on local history, architecture, and families.
University geology museum featuring minerals, fossils, and educational displays that appeal to families and science fans.
Historic Rutgers campus green surrounded by landmark buildings, ideal for walking, photos, and understanding university history.
Compact downtown district centered on arts venues and public life, popular for strolling before shows and events.
Major downtown corridor lined with theaters, institutions, and shops, making it one of the city's key walking streets.
A New Jersey diner classic: thin-sliced Taylor ham or pork roll, egg, and cheese on a hard roll. Beloved statewide and common in New Brunswick breakfast spots.
A Cuban sandwich variation linked to New Jersey Cuban communities, including nearby Middlesex County. Ham, roast pork, Swiss, pickles, and mustard on pressed bread.
Indian street snacks are central to Edison and New Brunswick dining culture. Crisp puris, chutneys, yogurt, and spices reflect the area’s strong South Asian community.
Popular casual spot for inventive hot dogs and sausages with many toppings. Fun, informal atmosphere and one of downtown’s best-known quick bites.
Upscale steakhouse known for dry-aged beef, seafood, and polished service in a historic downtown setting near the theater district.
Well-regarded local pizzeria and Italian restaurant known for thin-crust pies, pasta, and classic comfort food in a relaxed neighborhood setting.
Moderate for the region: hotels can be pricey near Rutgers, but dining and NJ Transit are similar to other Northeast college towns.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 10-15% for taxis, and $1-2 for cafe drinks if there is table service or extra help.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Philadelphia, PA to New Brunswick, NJ by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at New Brunswick, NJ, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Philadelphia, PA to New Brunswick, NJ buses use the Philadelphia, Spring Garden St / N 2nd St (Madison War Memorial Park) to New Brunswick, French Street (Across New Brunswick train station) station pair. Use this guide to compare Philadelphia, PA and New Brunswick, NJ bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Philadelphia, Spring Garden St / N 2nd St (Madison War Memorial Park) is 2 km from Philadelphia city centre. Public transport options include:
Philadelphia, Spring Garden St / N 2nd St (Madison War Memorial Park) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Philadelphia, Spring Garden St / N 2nd St (Madison War Memorial Park). ATMs are available at Philadelphia, Spring Garden St / N 2nd St (Madison War Memorial Park).
Ticket office support is available at Philadelphia, Spring Garden St / N 2nd St (Madison War Memorial Park).
Available at Philadelphia, Spring Garden St / N 2nd St (Madison War Memorial Park): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Philadelphia, Spring Garden St / N 2nd St (Madison War Memorial Park): The bus stop is accessible with ramps.
Philadelphia, Schuylkill Ave (Cira Centre South) is 1 km from Philadelphia city centre. Public transport options include:
Philadelphia, Schuylkill Ave (Cira Centre South) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi available in the waiting area. ATMs are available at Philadelphia, Schuylkill Ave (Cira Centre South).
Ticket office support is available at Philadelphia, Schuylkill Ave (Cira Centre South).
Available at Philadelphia, Schuylkill Ave (Cira Centre South): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Philadelphia, Schuylkill Ave (Cira Centre South): Wheelchair accessible area.
Philadelphia, Greyhound Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Snack bars and vending machines are available.
Free Wi-Fi available in the waiting area. ATMs are an ATM is available near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Philadelphia, Greyhound Bus Station.
Available at Philadelphia, Greyhound Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Philadelphia, Greyhound Bus Station: The station is wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators.
New Brunswick, French Street (Across New Brunswick train station) is 1 km from New Brunswick city centre. Public transport options include:
New Brunswick, French Street (Across New Brunswick train station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several eateries are located nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at New Brunswick, French Street (Across New Brunswick train station). ATMs are available at New Brunswick, French Street (Across New Brunswick train station).
Ticket office support is available at New Brunswick, French Street (Across New Brunswick train station).
Available at New Brunswick, French Street (Across New Brunswick train station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at New Brunswick, French Street (Across New Brunswick train station): Accessible facilities are available for disabled passengers.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need